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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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Michael Graham
Walkers Point a lively outsider
Walkers Point, orange with white star, sees it out best
© Photo Healy Racing
Walkers Point served up a 50/1 shock for the McParlans in the colts and geldings' maiden hurdle at Downpatrick.
Jockey Noel McParlan got a tune out of the nine-year-old gelding as they climbed the hill.
He kept on to see off the closing Ya Boy Ya (5/4 favourite) by half a length. Felino De Bersy was a neck down in third at 7/1 from 10s.
The jockey's father, trainer Sean McParlan said: "It was a surprise!
"The day he ran in Wexford he looked like he was going to win by 20 lengths and he just got collared. Coming down the hill (today) the boys were all saying 'he'll stop before he hits the line'. He pulled it out there and I'm delighted for the owner.
"He travels so well and finds nothing, but he kept at it and we were lucky enough today.
"We were delighted to get that over us today! We'll talk about that (future plans) later!"
The Stewards interviewed Mr N. McParlan, rider of Walkers Point, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found the rider in breach of Reg.10.3.(g)(frequency) and having taken his record into account suspended him for one race day.